Joss Whedon | The Guardianhttps://www.theguardian.com/culture/joss-whedon
Latest news and features from theguardian.com, the world's leading liberal voiceen-gbGuardian News and Media Limited or its affiliated companies. All rights reserved. 2017Tue, 26 Sep 2017 22:06:58 GMT2017-09-26T22:06:58Zen-gbGuardian News and Media Limited or its affiliated companies. All rights reserved. 2017The Guardianhttps://assets.guim.co.uk/images/guardian-logo-rss.c45beb1bafa34b347ac333af2e6fe23f.pnghttps://www.theguardian.com
Dark knight rising: why Ben Affleck's Batman is the key to DC's movie futurehttps://www.theguardian.com/film/2017/jul/25/dc-must-make-a-success-of-ben-afflecks-dark-knight
<p>Last year’s Batman v Superman almost trashed the Batmobile, but DC needs to harness the Batfleck’s potential to connect its slate of Extended Universe films </p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/film/2017/jul/22/ben-affleck-the-batman-justice-league-aquaman-wonderwoman">Ben Affleck says he will be The Batman despite report he would relinquish role</a> </p><p>If the Marvel Cinematic Universe really does come to a close following the events of 2019’s as-yet-untitled Avengers: Infinity War sequel, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/film/2017/apr/25/avengers-marvel-cinematic-universe-reboot-future-spider-man">as president Kevin Feige has been hinting</a>, it will have achieved something historic. Apart from the odd bump in the road – anyone remember Edward Norton as Bruce Banner in <a draggable="true" href="https://www.theguardian.com/film/2008/jun/13/actionandadventure.sciencefictionandfantasy">The Incredible Hulk</a>? – it might just be possible for fans to rewatch more than 20 movies, stretching back to 2008’s <a draggable="true" href="https://www.theguardian.com/film/2008/may/02/sciencefictionandfantasy.actionandadventure">Iron Man</a>, which are all to a greater or lesser extent internally consistent with each other. </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/film/2017/jul/25/dc-must-make-a-success-of-ben-afflecks-dark-knight">Continue reading...</a>FilmCultureBen AffleckJustice LeagueBatmanBatman v Superman: Dawn of JusticeDC ComicsBooksMarvelWarner BrosJoss WhedonTue, 25 Jul 2017 05:00:01 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/film/2017/jul/25/dc-must-make-a-success-of-ben-afflecks-dark-knightPhotograph: Supplied by LMKPhotograph: Supplied by LMKBen Child2017-07-25T05:00:01ZSuperhero films need a liberal reboot. Batgirl to the rescue | Zoe Williamshttps://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2017/apr/03/superhero-films-joss-whedon-batgirl-corporate-evil
<p>Joss Whedon has been lined up to direct a Batgirl movie. He could reconnect the genre with the fight for justice against corporate evil</p><p>Batgirl, the DC Comics hero, was conjured into life for reasons not of equality but of tangential homophobia. Batman and&nbsp;Robin had been fighting crime together for&nbsp;slightly too long, and suspicions were aroused about their sexuality. This was the early 1950s, after all, an era whose moral codes were almost unrecognisable from this distance – until 2017, of course, when grown men such as <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2017/mar/31/mike-pence-doesnt-eat-alone-women-speaks-volumes" title="">Mike Pence</a>, who won’t eat meals with <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/karen-pence-is-the-vice-presidents-prayer-warrior-gut-check-and-shield/2017/03/28/3d7a26ce-0a01-11e7-8884-96e6a6713f4b_story.html?utm_term=.a15f339d57e1" title="">women other than&nbsp;their wives</a>, suddenly find themselves in high&nbsp;office.</p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2017/mar/31/joss-whedon-to-direct-first-ever-batgirl-film">Joss Whedon to direct first ever Batgirl film</a> </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2017/apr/03/superhero-films-joss-whedon-batgirl-corporate-evil">Continue reading...</a>Superhero moviesFilmJoss WhedonCultureBuffy the Vampire SlayerMon, 03 Apr 2017 05:30:14 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2017/apr/03/superhero-films-joss-whedon-batgirl-corporate-evilPhotograph: APPhotograph: APZoe Williams2017-04-03T05:30:14ZJoss Whedon to direct first ever Batgirl filmhttps://www.theguardian.com/culture/2017/mar/31/joss-whedon-to-direct-first-ever-batgirl-film
<p>The Avengers director to move from Marvel to DC as writer, director and producer of the film, which will feature characters from the world of Gotham</p><p>Batgirl is to star in her own standalone movie, directed by <a draggable="true" href="https://www.theguardian.com/culture/joss-whedon">Joss Whedon</a>.</p><p><a href="http://variety.com/2017/film/news/batgirl-movie-joss-whedon-warner-bros-1202018544/">According to Variety</a>, Whedon will write, direct and produce the film for Warner Bros. No decision on casting has been made.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2017/mar/31/joss-whedon-to-direct-first-ever-batgirl-film">Continue reading...</a>FilmJoss WhedonDC ComicsBatmanBooksCultureWonder WomanSuperhero moviesBrie LarsonFilm industryBusinessFri, 31 Mar 2017 08:55:52 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/culture/2017/mar/31/joss-whedon-to-direct-first-ever-batgirl-filmPhotograph: Karen Robinson for the ObserverPhotograph: Karen Robinson for the ObserverGwilym Mumford2017-03-31T08:55:52Z'She saved me from depression': readers on Buffy the Vampire Slayerhttps://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2017/mar/10/she-saved-me-from-depression-readers-on-buffy-the-vampire-slayer
<p>To celebrate 20 years since Buffy first aired on television, readers tells us what the show means to them</p><ul><li><strong>This article contains spoilers</strong><br></li></ul><p>It’s been 20 years since Buffy the Vampire Slayer first appeared on TV and taught us that everyone gets a second chance – even if you were expelled from your last school for burning down the gym (accidentally, of course).</p><p>Hailed as a <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2017/mar/10/20-buffy-vampire-slayer-feminist">feminist show by Rupert Giles himself</a>, Buffy and the Scooby gang have continued to inspire and empower. In many of the responses we received to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2017/mar/08/20-years-of-buffy-the-vampire-slayer-share-your-stories-and-photos">our Guardian callout</a>, readers expressed their love for episodes The Body, Restless and Once More With Feeling. From helping people with their sexuality to inspiring others to work in the television industry, here’s what some of our readers said about what the show means to them.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2017/mar/10/she-saved-me-from-depression-readers-on-buffy-the-vampire-slayer">Continue reading...</a>Buffy the Vampire SlayerTelevisionCultureTelevision & radioUS televisionYoung peopleJoss WhedonFantasyFri, 10 Mar 2017 12:52:05 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2017/mar/10/she-saved-me-from-depression-readers-on-buffy-the-vampire-slayerPhotograph: Sky TVPhotograph: Sky TVRachel Obordo and Guardian readers2017-03-10T12:52:05ZVote Hollywood: ranking this presidential election's celebrity PSAshttps://www.theguardian.com/culture/2016/oct/28/ranking-celebrity-psa-presidential-election-spots-ben-affleck-scarlett-johansson
<p>Leonardo DiCaprio, Ben Affleck and Scarlett Johansson are just some of the A-listers urging Americans to make a difference, but which star deserves your vote?</p><p>There are only 11 days left until the US presidential election between Hillary Clinton and this microwaved fondue of a man named Donald Trump. If you don’t know that there’s an election, that it’s next month, and that it could drastically alter the fate of the human race, then you are truly a lost soul and are beyond help. Also, why are you reading the Guardian? Shouldn’t you be watching your cousin set off illegal fireworks in your driveway or preparing for your latest court appearance?</p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2016/oct/17/art-inspired-by-donald-trump">Framing Trump: a look at the bizarre art inspired by the Republican candidate</a> </p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/music/2016/oct/19/anti-trump-30-days-30-songs-project-musicians">'Isn't anybody going to stop me?' 30 songs protesting a President Trump</a> </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2016/oct/28/ranking-celebrity-psa-presidential-election-spots-ben-affleck-scarlett-johansson">Continue reading...</a>CultureUS elections 2016Leonardo DiCaprioFilmScarlett JohanssonBen AffleckJoss WhedonJulianne MooreJulia RobertsBarack ObamaHelen MirrenFri, 28 Oct 2016 18:35:50 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/culture/2016/oct/28/ranking-celebrity-psa-presidential-election-spots-ben-affleck-scarlett-johanssonPhotograph: YoutubePhotograph: YoutubeDave Schilling2016-10-28T18:35:50ZSave the Day review: Joss Whedon's anti-Trump video is a star-crammed, self-aware oddityhttps://www.theguardian.com/film/2016/sep/22/save-the-day-review-joss-whedon-anti-trump-video-robert-downey-jr-scarlett-johansson
<p>Mockingly corralling aristocrats of Hollywood liberalism such as Robert Downey Jnr, Scarlett Johansson and Mark Ruffalo to urge young people to vote is fine, but where’s the balance?</p><p>Joss Whedon has brought out a startlingly star-crammed anti-Trump video, featuring what the film itself cheerfully calls “a shit-ton of famous people”, including Robert Downey Jr, Scarlett Johansson, Don Cheadle, Keegan-Michael Key, Julianne Moore, Stanley Tucci and Martin Sheen – all talking directly to camera, with the obligatory viral-video “holding-up-a-slogan-written-on-paper” moment.</p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/sep/21/joss-whedon-super-pac-save-the-day-video-donald-trump">Voters assemble: Whedon unites Downey Jr, Ruffalo and stars of the West Wing to support ‘heroic act'</a> </p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/film/2016/apr/05/relovelution-review-mark-ruffalo-bernie-sanders-campaign-ad">ReLoveLution review – Mark Ruffalo feels the love in Bernie Sanders campaign ad</a> </p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/film/2013/nov/05/clint-eastwood-odd-obama-speech-republican-romney-convention">How Clint Eastwood's odd Obama speech turned Republican stomachs</a> </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/film/2016/sep/22/save-the-day-review-joss-whedon-anti-trump-video-robert-downey-jr-scarlett-johansson">Continue reading...</a>FilmJoss WhedonDonald TrumpCultureScarlett JohanssonMark RuffaloThu, 22 Sep 2016 10:32:18 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/film/2016/sep/22/save-the-day-review-joss-whedon-anti-trump-video-robert-downey-jr-scarlett-johanssonPhotograph: Save The Day . VotePhotograph: Save The Day . VotePeter Bradshaw2016-09-22T10:32:18ZVoters assemble: Whedon unites Downey Jr, Ruffalo and stars of the West Wing to support ‘heroic act'https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/sep/21/joss-whedon-super-pac-save-the-day-video-donald-trump
<p>Celebrities including Robert Downey Jr, Scarlett Johansson and Jesse Williams implore voters to fight ‘apathy, cynicism and honest confusion’ on 8 November</p><p>A “shit ton of famous people” have banded together to get US voters to the polls on 8 November. Gathered together by director Joss Whedon, the celebrities made their pitch to the public in a three-minute video titled Important.</p><p>The video is the first in a series coming from Whedon’s new Super Pac, <a href="http://savetheday.vote/">Save the Day</a>, which is “dedicated to the idea that voting is a necessary and heroic act” and “committed to fighting the apathy, cynicism, and honest confusion that keeps citizens from using their vote”.</p><p lang="en" dir="ltr">NEW --&gt; The gang is getting back together: the cast of The West Wing will campaign for <a href="https://twitter.com/HillaryClinton">@HillaryClinton</a> in stops across Ohio this weekend. <a href="https://t.co/ZwyoIyiIDX">pic.twitter.com/ZwyoIyiIDX</a></p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/sep/21/joss-whedon-super-pac-save-the-day-video-donald-trump">Continue reading...</a>US elections 2016Joss WhedonDonald TrumpUS newsUS politicsRobert Downey JrScarlett JohanssonMark RuffaloThu, 22 Sep 2016 08:11:35 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/sep/21/joss-whedon-super-pac-save-the-day-video-donald-trumpPhotograph: Jim Spellman/WireImagePhotograph: Jim Spellman/WireImageNicole Puglise2016-09-22T08:11:35ZBlack Widow, Star Wars or Terminator: what should Joss Whedon do next?https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2016/jul/26/joss-whedon-next-project-black-widow-star-wars-terminator
<p>The Avengers director seems keen on a solo outing for Scarlett Johansson’s karate-kicking ex-Soviet agent. But other franchises need his originality more</p><p>Joss Whedon may not have created the Marvel Cinematic Universe, that wildly ambitious tangle of interweaving superhero movies, but he certainly gave it much of its vim and verve. Rather like the outlandish technology featured in <a draggable="true" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3yxPO5gngNU">the cult film-maker’s creepy Dollhouse TV show</a>, in which brainwashed human beings are imprinted with off-the-shelf personalities for the entertainment of rich clients, Whedon took an existing property and upgraded it to the next level.</p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/film/2016/jul/25/comic-con-trailers-justice-league-doctor-strange-suicide-squad">Comic-Con trailer rundown: from comedy Batfleck to Guy Ritchie's streetfighting King Arthur</a> </p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/film/2016/jul/25/comic-con-2016-san-diego-good-bad">Comic-Con 2016: the good, the bad and the unbearable</a> </p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/film/2016/may/17/margot-robbie-harley-quinn-suicide-squad-dc-marvel-comic-book-films">Could Margot Robbie's all-female superhero movie be DC's trump card?</a> </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2016/jul/26/joss-whedon-next-project-black-widow-star-wars-terminator">Continue reading...</a>FilmJoss WhedonCultureSuperhero moviesScience fiction and fantasyMarvelAvengers: Age of UltronTue, 26 Jul 2016 16:39:38 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/culture/2016/jul/26/joss-whedon-next-project-black-widow-star-wars-terminatorPhotograph: Karen Robinson for the ObserverPhotograph: Karen Robinson for the ObserverBen Child2016-07-26T16:39:38ZJoss Whedon: 'I was beaten down by making The Avengers: Age of Ultron'https://www.theguardian.com/film/2016/apr/19/joss-whedon-avengers-age-of-ultron-mark-ruffalo-tribeca
<p>Director reveals at Tribeca film festival why he was frustrated with blockbuster sequel – and says he scrapped a Broadway musical draft after seeing Hamilton</p><p>The Avengers: Age of Ultron was by no means a failure for Marvel, grossing $1.4bn worldwide in 2015. But at the time of its release, reviews were generally more lukewarm than for its predecessor, The Avengers. Its writer/director Joss Whedon didn’t help matters by <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/film/2015/apr/18/joss-whedon-avengers-age-of-ultron">admitting</a> to being burnt out by the experience of completing the project, and openly <a href="http://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2015/05/joss-whedon-fight-marvel-studio">criticizing</a> Marvel’s final cut. In turn, his actions put a downer on the blockbuster.</p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/film/2015/apr/18/joss-whedon-avengers-age-of-ultron">Joss Whedon: ‘Making The Avengers is tough. I may die…’</a> </p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/film/2015/may/05/avengers-age-of-ultron-director-joss-whedon-quits-twitter">Avengers: Age of Ultron director Joss Whedon quits Twitter</a> </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/film/2016/apr/19/joss-whedon-avengers-age-of-ultron-mark-ruffalo-tribeca">Continue reading...</a>Tribeca film festivalJoss WhedonMark RuffaloThe AvengersAvengers: Age of UltronCultureFilmTue, 19 Apr 2016 13:12:51 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/film/2016/apr/19/joss-whedon-avengers-age-of-ultron-mark-ruffalo-tribecaPhotograph: Jim Spellman/WireImagePhotograph: Jim Spellman/WireImageNigel M Smith2016-04-19T13:12:51ZCaptain America: Civil War tipped for year's biggest US opening so farhttps://www.theguardian.com/film/2016/apr/19/captain-america-civil-war-tipped-biggest-us-opening-2016
<p>New movie also buoyed by strong reviews, while Avengers director Joss Whedon regrets Age of Ultron comments and signals interest in return to Marvel’s cinematic universe</p><p>Superhero epic Captain America: Civil War is on course to post the biggest opening of 2016 at the key US box office next month, <a href="http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/captain-america-civil-war-tracking-884792">according to experts</a>.</p><p>Tracking for the <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/film/captain-america-civil-war">Marvel film</a>, which will see Chris Evans’ Captain America and Robert Downey Jr’s Iron Man emerge on different sides of a high-stakes battle, suggests it will take between $175m (£122m) and $200m on debut. The higher figure would place the Russo brothers’ movie in North America’s top four openings of all time, behind only <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/film/star-wars-episode-vii">Star Wars: The Force Awakens</a> ($248m), <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/film/2015/jul/23/jurassic-world-past-the-avengers-number-3-all-time-box-office-list">Jurassic World</a> ($208.8m) and <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/film/2015/may/04/avengers-age-of-ultron-scores-second-biggest-opening-ever-at-us-box-office">Avengers: Age of Ultron </a>($207.4m).</p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/film/2016/mar/10/final-trailer-marvel-captain-america-civil-war-five-things-we-learned">Five things we learned from Marvel's final Captain America: Civil War trailer</a> </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/film/2016/apr/19/captain-america-civil-war-tipped-biggest-us-opening-2016">Continue reading...</a>Captain America: Civil WarFilmCultureJoss WhedonAvengers: Age of UltronMarvelSuperhero moviesRobert Downey JrComics and graphic novelsChris EvansTue, 19 Apr 2016 08:15:25 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/film/2016/apr/19/captain-america-civil-war-tipped-biggest-us-opening-2016Photograph: APPhotograph: APBen Child2016-04-19T08:15:25ZJoss Whedon to write 75th-anniversary Captain America story for Marvel Comicshttps://www.theguardian.com/books/2016/mar/04/joss-whedon-captain-america-75th-anniversary-story-marvel-comics
<p>Director of hugely successful Avengers films will work with Astonishing X-Men artist John Cassaday on Captain America: Sam Wilson, out at the end of March</p><p>The Avengers director and Buffy the Vampire Slayer creator <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/culture/joss-whedon">Joss Whedon</a> is taking on Captain America for Marvel Comics this month, writing a new story to celebrate the character’s 75th anniversary.</p><p><a href="http://marvel.com/characters/8/captain_america">Captain America</a> appeared in the first issue of Captain America Comics in 1941, when his alter ego Steve Rogers took a super-soldier serum “to become America’s one-man army” and fight the Nazis. The mantle of protecting America has not only fallen to Rogers, however: Sam Wilson, AKA the superhero Falcon and one of the <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/books/2014/jul/17/marvel-comics-captain-america-black-falcon">one of the first African-American superheroes</a>, took on the role in 2014.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/books/2016/mar/04/joss-whedon-captain-america-75th-anniversary-story-marvel-comics">Continue reading...</a>Comics and graphic novelsMarvelJoss WhedonBooksThe AvengersCultureFilmFri, 04 Mar 2016 17:44:36 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/books/2016/mar/04/joss-whedon-captain-america-75th-anniversary-story-marvel-comicsPhotograph: MarvelPhotograph: MarvelAlison Flood2016-03-04T17:44:36ZI Call Myself a Feminist review – call to actionhttps://www.theguardian.com/books/2015/nov/15/i-call-myself-a-feminist-review-essays-25-women-under-30-emily-benn-laura-pankhurst-sofie-hagen
A collection of essays by women under 30 looks at feminism from every angle<p>This collection of short essays by 25 women under 30 is like a primer in why feminism still matters coupled with a call to action. Contributors include comedians, politicians, journalists, campaigners and performers, including <a href="https://twitter.com/emily_benn" title="">Emily Benn</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/laurapankhurst" title="">Laura Pankhurst</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/SofieHagen?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor" title="">Sofie Hagen</a> and the actor Jade Anouka, an extraordinary Hotspur in the Donmar Warehouse’s recent all-female production of <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/stage/2014/oct/10/henry-iv-review-all-female-shakespeare-donmar-warehouse" title=""><em>Henry IV</em></a>.</p><p>Their essays are interspersed with a series of pertinent quotes drawn from novels, memoirs, interviews and essays, and featuring everyone from Mary Wollstonecraft, Doris Lessing and Virginia Woolf through to Amy Poehler and Joss Whedon.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/books/2015/nov/15/i-call-myself-a-feminist-review-essays-25-women-under-30-emily-benn-laura-pankhurst-sofie-hagen">Continue reading...</a>EssaysBooksPhilosophySocietyDoris LessingVirginia WoolfMary WollstonecraftFeminismJoss WhedonAmy PoehlerCultureWomenWorld newsSofie HagenSun, 15 Nov 2015 13:00:02 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/books/2015/nov/15/i-call-myself-a-feminist-review-essays-25-women-under-30-emily-benn-laura-pankhurst-sofie-hagenPhotograph: Dominic Lipinski/PAPhotograph: Dominic Lipinski/PANatasha Tripney2015-11-15T13:00:02ZAvengers: Age of Ultron; The Age of Adaline; The Tribe; Hard to Be a God; The Wonders; The Salt of the Earth; The Dance of Reality; Marshland; Empire – reviewhttps://www.theguardian.com/film/2015/sep/13/avengers-adaline-tribe-wonders-hard-god-review-dvd
Marvel’s latest lacks the wit of its forebears, and while Harrison Ford puts his heart into Adaline, the best of the week’s DVDs are foreign-language films<p>Mainstream films have run for cover in the DVD market this week, fearing the obliterating shadow of Marvel’s perfunctory team-building event <strong>Avengers: Age of Ultron</strong> (Disney, 12). The only one facing it, perhaps in desperate hope of title confusion, is the mortality-minded romantic fantasy <strong>The Age of Adaline </strong>(EIV, 12), starring Blake Lively as a woman eternally frozen at the age of 29 who finds love on top of this good fortune.</p><p>Avengers: Age of Adaline would be a more interesting film than either. Still, I’ll stump for the sweetly sincere ludicrousness of Adaline – boasting, alongside its treaclier charms, Harrison Ford’s first emotionally engaged performance in at least half an Adalinal age – over the hollow-hearted rigmarole of the superhero coalition’s latest adventure, which is short even on the <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/film/2015/apr/18/joss-whedon-avengers-age-of-ultron" title="">glib Joss Whedon wit</a> that powered the first.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/film/2015/sep/13/avengers-adaline-tribe-wonders-hard-god-review-dvd">Continue reading...</a>DVD and video reviewsHarrison FordMarvelJoss WhedonWorld cinemaCultureFilmChris EvansSun, 13 Sep 2015 07:00:18 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/film/2015/sep/13/avengers-adaline-tribe-wonders-hard-god-review-dvdPhotograph: Marvel Studios/AllstarChris Evans as Captain America and Chris Hemsworth as Thor in Avengers: Age of Ultron. Photograph: Marvel Studios/AllstarPhotograph: Marvel Studios/AllstarChris Evans as Captain America and Chris Hemsworth as Thor in Avengers: Age of Ultron. Photograph: Marvel Studios/AllstarGuy Lodge2015-09-13T07:00:18ZJoss Whedon returns to comics with 'Victorian female Batman'https://www.theguardian.com/books/2015/jul/14/joss-whedon-returns-comics-twist-buffy-dark-horse
<p>The Buffy creator is writing Twist, a six-issue series for Dark Horse Comics about a chambermaid who gains special powers after being ‘fed to a dark horror’</p><p>Joss Whedon is planning a return to the world of comics with a new series that the Buffy creator promised would deal “with the most personal question that can be put to us, which is why isn’t there a Victorian female Batman?”</p><p>Whedon’s planned six-issue series Twist, to be published by Dark Horse Comics, was <a href="http://www.comicbookresources.com/article/sdcc-an-afternoon-with-joss-whedon-2015">announced at Comic-Con in San Diego at the weekend</a>. He <a href="http://www.ew.com/article/2015/07/11/joss-whedon-creating-new-comic-book-dark-horse">told Entertainment Weekly</a> that the series would be “a Victorian thriller about a meek chambermaid who is fed to a dark horror – but instead of dying, she returns, with knowledge, power, and rage she can neither deny nor control”. The magazine predicted that the comics would have “a strong steampunk aesthetic, some dark knight thematics, and Whedon’s typically imaginative, provocative approach to political, social, and feminist concerns”.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/books/2015/jul/14/joss-whedon-returns-comics-twist-buffy-dark-horse">Continue reading...</a>Comics and graphic novelsBooksCultureJoss WhedonBatmanTue, 14 Jul 2015 11:43:56 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/books/2015/jul/14/joss-whedon-returns-comics-twist-buffy-dark-horsePhotograph: Chris Pizzello/Invision/APPhotograph: Chris Pizzello/Invision/APAlison Flood2015-07-14T11:43:56ZOz Comic-Con: your world of choice, dressed up as a simple conventionhttps://www.theguardian.com/culture/2015/jun/28/oz-comic-con-your-world-of-choice-dressed-up-as-a-simple-convention
<p data-dropid="0">Guardian Australia reporter Paul Farrell braces to get beamed up into the strange universe of Comic-Con in Melbourne and finds himself feeling at home after all</p><p>After the first time I watched an episode of Star Trek I couldn’t fall asleep. I was five, and I wanted to learn how to build a transporter to beam me off the planet.</p><p>I didn’t understand most of what happened in it, but the idea of a world in space, so magnificent and bold, has always stuck with me. Since then, I’ve always loved the vast worlds of science fiction and fantasy; from Star Trek’s vision of a better future, to the X-Files grand conspiracies, to the universe bending Fringe, or the coming-of-age stories of Buffy the Vampire Slayer.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2015/jun/28/oz-comic-con-your-world-of-choice-dressed-up-as-a-simple-convention">Continue reading...</a>Comic-ConComics and graphic novelsCultureFestivalsMelbourneAustralia newsStar WarsFilmJoss WhedonThe AvengersScience fiction and fantasyStar TrekTelevisionUS televisionSun, 28 Jun 2015 05:33:50 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/culture/2015/jun/28/oz-comic-con-your-world-of-choice-dressed-up-as-a-simple-conventionPhotograph: Paul Farrell for the GuardianPhotograph: Paul Farrell for the GuardianPaul Farrell2015-06-28T05:33:50ZJurassic World director backs Joss Whedon's criticism of "sexist" cliphttps://www.theguardian.com/film/2015/jun/05/jurassic-world-director-backs-joss-whedons-criticism-of-sexist-clip
<p>Colin Trevorrow says Bryce Dallas Howard is true star of dino disaster epic and defends fellow film-maker against critics who questioned his feminist credentials</p><p>When Joss Whedon <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/film/2015/apr/13/joss-whedon-criticises-jurassic-world-sexism">laid into a “70s-era sexist” clip from upcoming science fiction blockbuster Jurassic World</a>, he ignited a debate over Hollywood’s treatment of gender. Now the film’s director, Colin Trevorrow, has stepped in to say he also has a problem with the scene – and questioned why the clip was used in the first place.<br></p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/film/2015/apr/13/joss-whedon-criticises-jurassic-world-sexism">Joss Whedon criticises Jurassic World clip for '70s-era' sexism</a> </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/film/2015/jun/05/jurassic-world-director-backs-joss-whedons-criticism-of-sexist-clip">Continue reading...</a>Jurassic WorldFilmChris PrattCultureJoss WhedonAction and adventureFri, 05 Jun 2015 07:59:31 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/film/2015/jun/05/jurassic-world-director-backs-joss-whedons-criticism-of-sexist-clipPhotograph: Allstar/UNIVERSAL PICTURESPhotograph: Allstar/UNIVERSAL PICTURESBen Child2015-06-05T07:59:31ZAvengers: Age of Ultron hits $1bn after huge $156.3m China debuthttps://www.theguardian.com/film/2015/may/18/avengers-age-of-ultron-hits-1bn-china-debut
<p>Spectacular local opening for Joss Whedon’s comic book sequel falls short of record bow by Fast &amp; Furious 7 last month</p><p>Superhero blockbuster Avengers: Age of Ultron has passed the magic $1bn mark at the global box office after opening <a href="http://variety.com/2015/film/news/avengers-age-of-ultron-china-debut-box-office-1201499105/">with a gargantuan haul of $156.3m over its first six days in China</a>.</p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/film/2015/may/14/chinese-fans-left-close-to-tears-by-clumsy-avengers-age-of-ultron-subtitles">Chinese fans "left close to tears" by Age of Ultron translation</a> </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/film/2015/may/18/avengers-age-of-ultron-hits-1bn-china-debut">Continue reading...</a>FilmAvengers: Age of UltronChinaSuperhero moviesMarvelAsia PacificCultureWorld newsJoss WhedonMon, 18 May 2015 08:55:11 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/film/2015/may/18/avengers-age-of-ultron-hits-1bn-china-debutPhotograph: Allstar/MARVEL STUDIOS/Sportsphoto Ltd./AllstarPhotograph: Allstar/MARVEL STUDIOS/Sportsphoto Ltd./AllstarBen Child2015-05-18T08:55:11ZIs the increased number of female MPs a victory for feminism?https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/womens-blog/2015/may/08/the-week-in-feminist-news-mhairi-blacks-victory-amy-schumers-triumph-and-eve-ensler-joins-mad-max
<p> Will Mhairi Black and the other women newly elected to parliament deal a blow to Westminster’s boys’ club? Plus: Amy Schumer’s new satirical triumph and Eve Ensler’s consulatative role on Mad Max</p><p>Congrats to the country’s youngest new MP: 20-year-old Mhairi Black, who had the odds stacked against her to win the Paisley and Renfrewshire South seat for the SNP. As<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/profile/ewenmacaskill"> Ewan MacAskill</a> and <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/profile/rebecca-ratcliffe">Rebecca Ratcliffe </a>summed it up:</p><p>She was up against one of the best-known Labour MPs left in Scotland, <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/politics/douglasalexander">Douglas Alexander</a>, who was defending a majority of more than 16,000. He was not only shadow foreign secretary but had lots of election experience in abundance, enough to secure him the job of Labour’s UK campaign coordinator. </p><p>Michael,</p><p>As we discussed on the phone, below are just a few examples. There are more.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/womens-blog/2015/may/08/the-week-in-feminist-news-mhairi-blacks-victory-amy-schumers-triumph-and-eve-ensler-joins-mad-max">Continue reading...</a>Women in politicsWomenPoliticsLife and styleJoss WhedonCultureFilmComedyFri, 08 May 2015 16:42:29 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/womens-blog/2015/may/08/the-week-in-feminist-news-mhairi-blacks-victory-amy-schumers-triumph-and-eve-ensler-joins-mad-maxPhotograph: Lesley Martin/AFP/Getty ImagesPhotograph: Lesley Martin/AFP/Getty ImagesEllie Violet Bramley2015-05-08T16:42:29ZBlack Widow deserved a better romance in Avengers: Age of Ultronhttps://www.theguardian.com/film/2015/may/08/black-widow-romance-hulk-avengers-age-of-ultron
<p>Joss Whedon misses another opportunity to let a female character sizzle as the love story between Natasha Romanoff and Bruce Banner should have worked </p><p>The most frustrating thing about the Black Widow/Bruce Banner romance in <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/film/avengers-the-age-of-ultron">Avengers: Age of Ultron </a>is that it should have worked. Scarlett Johansson and Mark Ruffalo are both charismatic actors, and in their one big scene together in the first Avengers flick they had palpable chemistry. </p><p>Ruffalo got Banner’s bumbling, charmingly professorial nebbish just right – but also, in his one moment of fake rage, managed to teasingly throw the professional, unflappable Black Widow completely off her game. The tension there was adversarial, obviously – but any romcom fan can tell you that adversarial banter can flip over into flirtatious heat in a delightful heartbeat. The two were obviously ready, willing and able to do a Cary Grant/Katherine Hepburn <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0029947/">Bringing Up Baby</a> variation, with Ruffalo as the distracted handsome intellectual and Johansson as the whip-smart free spirit (or superspy, in this case).</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/film/2015/may/08/black-widow-romance-hulk-avengers-age-of-ultron">Continue reading...</a>Avengers: Age of UltronJoss WhedonCultureFilmScience fiction and fantasyFri, 08 May 2015 15:58:53 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/film/2015/may/08/black-widow-romance-hulk-avengers-age-of-ultronPhotograph: SuppliedPhotograph: SuppliedNoah Berlatsky2015-05-08T15:58:53ZJoss Whedon denies he left Twitter after angry feminist criticism of new Avengers filmhttps://www.theguardian.com/film/2015/may/06/ultron-avengers-joss-whedon-twitter
<p>The director says he needs to focus on writing and that the social network had become a negative, distracting addiction</p><p> Age of Ultron director Joss Whedon has denied that <a href="http://theguardian.com/culture/2015/may/06/james-gunn-aggressive-fans-joss-whedon-quit-twitter">he closed his Twitter account this week</a> following feminist criticism of his new film, calling the claims “horseshit”. </p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/film/2015/apr/18/joss-whedon-avengers-age-of-ultron">Joss Whedon: ‘Making The Avengers is tough. I may die…’</a> </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/film/2015/may/06/ultron-avengers-joss-whedon-twitter">Continue reading...</a>FilmAvengers: Age of UltronCultureJoss WhedonTwitterInternetBloggingDigital mediaMediaMarvelSuperhero moviesSocial mediaWed, 06 May 2015 11:03:15 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/film/2015/may/06/ultron-avengers-joss-whedon-twitterPhotograph: Splash News/Splash News/CorbisPhotograph: Splash News/Splash News/CorbisBenjamin Lee2015-05-06T11:03:15Z